The third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in the capital is going to be opened in October. This information is known from the sources of the contracting organization Aviation Dhaka Consortium.
The company said that 100% construction of the third terminal will be completed by April 5. After that, the Civil Aviation Authority (CABA) will take over the responsibility of the terminal.
Air Vice Marshal M Mofidur Rahman, chairman of Babychock, said that system integration, calibration and equipment testing have been done. The terminal will be fully operational by October.
The third terminal was opened for partial use on October 7 last year. The work of this project of Tk 21 thousand 300 crore started on December 28, 2019.
With the opening of the third terminal, another 230,000 square meters of space will be added to the two terminals at Shahjalal Airport. The three-storey terminal building will have 115 check-in counters, 66 departure and 59 arrival immigration desks and three VIP immigration desks.
Babychok officials said that the terminal will require 6,000 skilled workers for operation, maintenance and security. Besides, about 4 thousand workers will be required for the security system. As such manpower will not be available by October, the terminal may not be fully operational in the first few months. Babychak and Biman Bangladesh Airlines will operate the terminal for the first few months. The required number of skilled workers will be hired early next year and the terminal is likely to be fully operational by February next year.
According to sources, the government has already decided to hand over the operation and maintenance of the third terminal to a Japanese consortium under a public-private partnership. In this regard, Babychak has started discussions with a consortium of 6 Japanese companies. But it may take about a year to complete the formalities. A ‘Transaction Advisor’ is appointed, who prepares a report. He will give it to Babychak in April. If all goes well, the contract will be signed with a Japanese consortium interested in providing ground handling services by August. The consortium will take about 6 months to prepare. However, Terminal-3 will remain partially operational until the Japanese firm is ready. Bebichak will make an announcement about the terminal’s operations in October.
Air Vice Marshal M Mofidur Rahman, chairman of Babychock, said that we will manage customs and immigration ourselves. The Japanese consortium will manage the terminal’s operations and oversee safety. They will ensure the necessary services from the time a passenger enters the airport to the time they board the aircraft.
Besides, the third terminal has been constructed in such a way that it is convenient for passengers to enter and exit. The terminal will be connected to the elevated expressway, underground railway and airport railway station through a tunnel. Hajj pilgrims can also go to the third terminal from Ashkona Haj Camp through another tunnel.